Guide to Collecting Cent Coins

This collecting cents guide serves as an introduction for collectors interested in starting their coin collection with the most popular type of American coinage, the cent coins or pennies as they are often referred to. This guide aims to provide you with essential information to begin, or enhance your personal collection of American cent coins.

Cent coins, also known as pennies, hold a prominent place in the world of numismatics. These small yet historically significant coins have been minted in various designs and compositions, reflecting the evolution of American coinage over the centuries. From the classic designs of early copper cents to the modern compositions of zinc-based coins, cent coins offer collectors a diverse range of options to choose from. There are so many unique designs for the American cent coins, that it’s hard to decide on a favorite!

Image source: PCGS. Coin: 1909-S VDB 1C (Regular Strike), auction record: $10,000.

Why Collect Cent Coins?

Collectors are drawn to cent coins for their accessibility, affordability, and historical significance. Cent coins are readily available and can often be acquired at modest prices, making them an excellent choice for beginners looking to start their coin collection. There are many cent coins that are very cost effective even in quantity, as well as more expensive examples that are still affordable. This gives all collectors the opportunity to own a very rare and unique American coin, without breaking the bank to make it happen! Additionally, cent coins provide a real, tangible connection to American history. Each American cent coin bears the imprint of a specific era, design, and cultural context. Whether you're fascinated by the artistic beauty of coin designs or intrigued by the stories behind each minting, collecting cent coins offers a rewarding and enriching experience for collectors of all levels.

Types of Cent Coins

Cent coins encompass a wide variety of designs, compositions, and minting techniques. From the unique old American large and small cents, to the iconic Lincoln Memorial and modern Lincoln Shield cents, there is a wide variety of options to choose from. Collectors new and experienced have the opportunity to explore different series, dates, and variations within the realm of cent coins. Each series can be vastly different as evident in the older cent coins dating back to over 200 years ago, or the modern cent coins that are tweaked and re-designed, but still resemble their previous designs. By familiarizing yourself with the various types of cent coins available, you can tailor your collection to suit your interests and preferences.

Here we will provide a list of all the federally issued cent coins in U.S. history:

Large Cents:

Learn more about Large Cents Value and History >

1. Flowing Hair Large Cent (1793-1796) - The first large cent issued by the United States Mint, there were various designs of the Flowing Hair cent in its short reign

4. Draped Bust Cent (1796-1807) - Featuring a draped bust of Liberty on the obverse

5. Classic Head Cent (1808-1814) - Designed by John Reich, featuring a classic portrait of Liberty

6. Liberty Head Cent (1816-1857) - Featuring Lady Liberty, this cent coin went through various design changes throughout its lifetime 

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Small Cents:

8. Flying Eagle Cent (1857-1858) - The first U.S. small cent, designed by James B. Longacre 

9. Indian Head Cent (1859-1909) - Featuring Liberty in a Native American headdress, also designed by James B. Longacre

10. Lincoln Wheat Cent (1909-1958) - The first U.S. cent to feature Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, with wheat ears on the reverse 

11. Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959-2008) - Featuring a depiction of the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro

12. Lincoln Bicentennial Cent (2009) - Four different reverse designs to honor Abraham Lincoln's life stages

13. Lincoln Union Shield Cent (2010-present) - Featuring a shield on the reverse, symbolizing Lincoln's preservation of the Union

Learn more about penny value and history > 

Getting Started

Embarking on a journey to collect cent coins is an exciting adventure that can benefit from careful planning and consideration. Here are some steps to help you get started on your collecting journey!

Define Your Goals: Determine your objectives and motivations for collecting, is it for historical value, numismatic appeal, or for personal interest? Are you interested in completing a set of a specific series, focusing on coins from a particular era, or pursuing coins with unique minting errors or varieties? Having a clear goal in mind can make all aspects of collecting easier.

Set a Budget: Establish a realistic budget based on your financial resources and collecting aspirations. Consider factors such as coin rarity, condition, and market demand when budgeting for your collection.

Gather Supplies: Acquire essential collecting supplies such as coin albums, folders, or storage containers to organize and protect your cent coins. Proper storage is essential for preserving the value of your collection over the years, and also making sure you don’t lose your coins!

Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about cent coins, including their historical background, design features, and potential anomalies such as counterfeit coins or common errors. Understanding more about cent coins will help you make smarter buying decisions.

Start Collecting: Begin acquiring cent coins for your collection through reputable sources such as coin dealers, and Bullion Shark is an excellent choice! Online auctions, coin shows, and numismatic exchanges are also abundant in today’s internet age. Purchase your coins carefully, always be sure to research thoroughly before purchasing to ensure the authenticity of the product you are looking for, and its quality.

Expand Your Collection: Continuously seek opportunities to enhance and expand your collection by adding new coins, upgrading existing areas of your collection, and exploring different collecting strategies. Stay informed about market trends, emerging discoveries, and fleeting opportunities to acquire rare or unique coins.

Where to Buy Cent Coins: With numerous options for purchasing cent coins available, including local dealers, coin conventions, auctions, and online sellers, we strongly recommend choosing a trusted and reputable seller. Doing so ensures you avoid purchasing counterfeit coins or paying excessive prices. Trust in a reputable and reliable source to begin your collecting journey with!

At Bullion Sharks, we pride ourselves on being a trusted seller with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and over 30 years of experience in the numismatic industry. If you're looking to start or expand your cent coin collection, bullionsharks.com is your go-to destination. Our extensive inventory features authentic coins, coupled with a wealth of knowledge and resources to support you on your collecting journey. Explore our website today to discover a wide range of available coins, helpful guides, and other valuable resources. Let Bullion Sharks be your partner in starting your cent coin collection off right!

By following these guidelines and embracing your passion for rare coin collecting, you can embark on a fulfilling journey! These cent coins are a perfect way to introduce new collectors to the rich history of American coinage, as well as spark the interest of seasoned collectors once again!